Will the overseas trend towards modifying entry level 4WDs ever take off here in Australia ? It may already have begun…

Some vehicles just don’t fit into any accepted categories, so rather than make them fit, the idea might be to make them stand even more alone.

Which is one way of thinking about Tino’s ‘89 model Suzuki Vitara.

On the one hand it’s a four-cylinder, but not what most four pot enthusiasts would consider for their next project, on account of its asthmatic G16A 1.6 litre SOHC engine.

The Vitara is also a four wheel drive that can claim to be a `serious’ off-roader, and so all things considered, it’s sort of left in limbo as regards the custom scene.

Tino tried to find hoops to his liking here in Australia, but he couldn’t find what he was after and eventually sourced his wheels back home.

It’s a scenario we’re interestingly hearing more and more about, that is, how many South East Asian countries have thriving custom car scenes and products that haven’t as yet made it Down Under.

Apparently too, many products that are available in Australia, can be picked up significantly cheaper in Asia, but it no doubt depends on the size of your suitcase as to how many and what size can be brought in !

Oh, and just in case you’re wondering, Tino says that he could fit 20" rims under the standard guards on his Suzuki, but 21s would see the start of serious body mods.

The actual cost of 21 inchers would be a bit too much as well.

As for the paintscheme, well, there’s no denying that it’s bright and makes this Vitara stand out like a baboon’s arse.

Lowering kits for 4WDs are not exactly common, so once again, Tino sourced his components from Indonesia, including custom 3 ½" lower springs and Koni shocks.

A few people have aptly commented that Tino’s Vitara now looks like a grown up version of a dinky toy, which we reckon is a fairly cool description.

The cosmetic modifications weren’t limited to the exterior of the little Suzuki however.

The interior was fully re-trimmed by Trim Care in Perth and just for the record, the seats are covered in genuine leather, not vinyl.

The door trims, including the rear door, were finished in leather too, with the floor and hoodlining also receiving the full treatment.

Perth’s AudioArt & Technologies then added a relatively mild sound system to the car (mini -truck ?), headed up by a Pioneer KEH P8450 head unit and powered by a single Xtant 404M four-channel amplifier..

Nonetheless, it’s those wonderful 40mm DCOE Weber carbies which smack you in the eyeballs when you look into the engine bay, although we think Tino should play it safe and get a pair of filters on those trumpets.

The Webers sit on a custom made inlet manifold and are fed by a Puralator electronic fuel pump.

Also clearly visible is the Accel ignition coil and 10mm Top Gun ignition leads, yet the interior of this motor has received some attention also.

While the bottom end is as stock as a rock, Kostecki Engine Centre has ported the head and added a 38 / 79 grind Wade cam.

Double valve springs and after market valves of Indonesian origin (where else ?) were also added, although perhaps someone should have told Tino that the DOHC head from Suzuki’s G13B engine (as found in Suzuki’s Swift) can be grafted onto the G16 block with minor mods.

Apparently, the G13B’s EFI can be employed and with all the Japanese engine importing and wrecking going on, the G13B head swap might be a future option along with a decent aftermarket EFI package ?

On the exhaust front meanwhile, Custom Exhaust in Osborne Park have added their own extractors plus a 4-2-1 2 ½" system with a high flow catalytic converter, while the bad stuff finally enters the atmosphere via twin Racing Dynamics tips.

Apart from a Heavy duty, later model Suzuki clutch, the driveline on this bright Vitara is as it left the factory.

Nitrous is one option being considered, although there’s a good chance that Tino’s other 4WD will come in for some individual treatment now that the potential of the Vitara has been realised.

And Tino’s other 4WD ? A Jeep Wrangler which is already into orbit, thanks to monster wheels and tyres.

With bright pink paintwork, mega suspension and engine work, it could soon surpass the Vitara in looks and performance.

We’re all wondering now - when is somebody going to do something like this to a baby Kia?…